Data driver and display apparatus having the same

ABSTRACT

A data driver includes a data driving chip, a first data transmitting line, a second data transmitting line, a first shielding line and a second shielding line. The first data transmitting line and the second data transmitting line are configured to transmit a data signal to the data driving chip. The first shielding line is disposed at a first side with respect to the first data transmitting line. A ground voltage is applied to the first shielding line. The second shielding line is disposed at a second side with respect to the second transmitting line. The second side is opposite to the first side. The ground voltage is applied to the second shielding line.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2014-0036219, filed on Mar. 27, 2014 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office KIPO, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Related Art

Exemplary embodiments of the present system and method relate to a datadriver for a display apparatus having a display panel. Moreparticularly, exemplary embodiments of the present system and methodrelate to a data driver that improves the reliability of a displayapparatus having a display panel.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, a display apparatus includes a display panel and a paneldriver. The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines and aplurality of data lines. The panel driver includes a gate driver thatprovides gate signals to the gate lines, a data driver that providesdata voltages to the data lines, and a timing controller that controlsthe timings of the gate driver and the data driver for driving theirrespective signals.

Because the data driver generally drives data signals at a highfrequency, the data signals being driven may be distorted by noise.Signal distortion due to noise decreases the reliability of the datadriver and may cause the display panel to display an abnormal image.

SUMMARY OF THE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Exemplary embodiments of the present system and method provide a datadriver that improves the reliability and display quality of a displaypanel.

Exemplary embodiments of the present system and method also provide adisplay apparatus having the data driver.

In an exemplary embodiment of a data driver according to the presentsystem and method, the data driver includes a data driving chip, a firstdata transmitting line, a second data transmitting line, a firstshielding line and a second shielding line. The first data transmittingline and the second data transmitting line are configured to transmit adata signal to the data driving chip. The first shielding line isdisposed at a first side with respect to the first data transmittingline. A ground voltage is applied to the first shielding line. Thesecond shielding line is disposed at a second side with respect to thesecond transmitting line. The second side is opposite to the first side.The ground voltage is applied to the second shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line andthe second shielding line may be less than resistances of the first datatransmitting line and the second data transmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between the first shielding lineand the first data transmitting line may be equal to or less than adistance between the first data transmitting line and the second datatransmitting line. A distance between the second shielding line and thesecond data transmitting line may be equal to or less than the distancebetween the first data transmitting line and the second datatransmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line may include a firstbent portion that bends toward the first data transmitting line. Thesecond shielding line may include a second bent portion that bendstoward the second transmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line may be connected toa first low-voltage terminal of a data driving chip. The secondshielding line may be connected to a second low-voltage terminal of thedata driving chip.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include aconnecting portion that connects the first shielding line and the secondshielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, a resistance of the connecting portion maybe equal to or greater than a resistance of the first shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the connecting portion may beless than a width of the first shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion may include a convexand concave pattern.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a thirdshielding line disposed between the first data transmitting line and thesecond data transmitting line. The ground voltage may be applied to thethird shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line may be connected toa first low-voltage terminal of the data driving chip. The secondshielding line may be connected to a second low-voltage terminal of thedata driving chip. The third shielding line may be connected to both thefirst low-voltage terminal and the second low-voltage terminal of thedata driving chip.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include aconnecting portion that connects the first shielding line, the secondshielding line and the third shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a firstvoltage transmitting line disposed at the first side of the firstshielding line and a second voltage transmitting line disposed at thesecond side of the second shielding line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driving chip, the first shieldingline and the second shielding line may be disposed on a substrate of thedisplay panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include aflexible printed circuit board on which the data driving chip ismounted. The first shielding line and the second shielding line may bedisposed on the flexible printed circuit board.

In an exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to thepresent system and method, the display apparatus includes a displaypanel, a gate driver and a data driver. The display panel is configuredto display an image. The gate driver is configured to apply a gatesignal to the display panel. The data driver is configured to apply adata voltage to the display panel. The data driver includes a datadriving chip, a first data transmitting line, a second data transmittingline, a first shielding line and a second shielding line. The first datatransmitting line and the second data transmitting line are configuredto transmit a data signal to the data driving chip. The first shieldingline is disposed at a first side with respect to the first datatransmitting line. A ground voltage is applied to the first shieldingline. The second shielding line is disposed at a second side withrespect to the second transmitting line. The second side is opposite tothe first side. The ground voltage is applied to the second shieldingline.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line andthe second shielding line may be less than resistances of the first datatransmitting line and the second data transmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between the first shielding lineand the first data transmitting line may be equal to or less than adistance between the first data transmitting line and the second datatransmitting line. A distance between the second shielding line and thesecond data transmitting line may be equal to or less than the distancebetween the first data transmitting line and the second datatransmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line may include a firstbent portion that bends toward the first data transmitting line. Thesecond shielding line may include a second bent portion that bendstoward the second transmitting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include aconnecting portion that connects the first shielding line and the secondshielding line.

According to an embodiment of the present system and method, a datadriver includes a shielding line that is disposed adjacent to a datatransmitting line such that noise in a data signal may be prevented orotherwise reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the data driverand the display quality of a display panel using the data driver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present system andmethod are described as exemplary embodiments below with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according toan exemplary embodiment of the present system and method;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a display panel, a timing controllerand a data driver of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent system and method;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shielding line ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shielding line ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shielding line ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod;

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shielding line ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a display panel, a timing controllerand a data driver of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent system and method; and

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a portion B of the data driver ofFIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present system and method are explained in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according toan exemplary embodiment of the present system and method. The displayapparatus includes a display panel 100 and a panel driver. The paneldriver includes a timing controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gammareference voltage generator 400 and a data driver 500.

The display panel 100 has a display region on which an image isdisplayed and a peripheral region adjacent to the display region. Thedisplay panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality ofdata lines DL and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines GLand the data lines DL. The gate lines GL extend in a first direction D1and the data lines DL extend in a second direction D2 that intersectsthe first direction D1. The display panel 100 may be a liquid crystaldisplay (“LCD”) panel, but the present system and method is not limitedthereto. Alternatively, the display panel 100 may be one of an organiclight emitting diode (“OLED”) display panel, a plasma display panel(“PDP”) and a light emitting diode (“LED”) display panel.

Each pixel includes a switching element (not shown), a liquid crystalcapacitor (not shown) and a storage capacitor (not shown). The liquidcrystal capacitor and the storage capacitor are electrically connectedto the switching element. The pixels may be disposed in a matrix form.

The timing controller 200 receives input image data RGB and an inputcontrol signal CONT from an external apparatus (not shown). The inputimage data may include red image data R, green image data G and blueimage data B. The input control signal CONT may include a master clocksignal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT mayfurther include a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontalsynchronizing signal.

The timing controller 200 generates a first control signal CONT1, asecond control signal CONT2, a third control signal CONT3 based on theinput control signal CONT, and a data signal DATA based on the inputimage data RGB. The first control signal CONT1 controls an operation ofthe gate driver 300 and is outputted to the gate driver 300. The firstcontrol signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gateclock signal. The second control signal CONT2 controls an operation ofthe data driver 500 and is outputted to the data driver 500. The secondcontrol signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a loadsignal. The third control signal CONT3 controls an operation of thegamma reference voltage generator 400 and is outputted to the gammareference voltage generator 400. The data signal DATA is outputted tothe data driver 500.

The gate driver 300 generates gate signals for driving the gate lines GLin response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the timingcontroller 200. The gate driver 300 sequentially outputs the gatesignals to the gate lines GL. The gate driver 300 may be directlymounted on the display panel 100, connected to the display panel 100 asa tape carrier package (TCP) type, or integrated on the display panel100.

The gamma reference voltage generator 400 generates a gamma referencevoltage VGREF in response to the third control signal CONT3 receivedfrom the timing controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator400 provides the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500.The gamma reference voltage VGREF has a value that corresponds to alevel of the data signal DATA. In an exemplary embodiment, the gammareference voltage generator 400 may be disposed in the timing controller200, or in the data driver 500.

The data driver 500 receives the second control signal CONT2 and thedata signal DATA from the timing controller 200, and receives the gammareference voltages VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400.The data driver 500 converts the data signal DATA into analog datavoltages using the gamma reference voltages VGREF. The data driver 500sequentially outputs the data voltages to the data lines DL. The datadriver 500 may be directly mounted on the display panel 100, connectedto the display panel 100 as a TCP type, or integrated on the displaypanel 100.

A structure of the data driver 500 is explained in reference to FIGS. 2and 3. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the display panel 100, thetiming controller 200 and the data driver 500 of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present system and method. FIG. 3 is a planview illustrating a portion A of the data driver 500 of FIG. 2 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present system and method.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the data driver 500 includes a data drivingchip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board 520. The flexible printedcircuit board 520 connects the data driving chip 510 to a printedcircuit board on which the timing controller 200 is disposed. In anexemplary embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 520 may be alayer of the printed circuit board and integrally formed with theprinted circuit board. In another exemplary embodiment, the flexibleprinted circuit board 520 may be independently formed from the printedcircuit board.

As FIG. 2 illustrates, the data driver 500 includes data transmittinglines DTL1 and DTL2 that transmit a data signal DATA to the data drivingchip 510, shielding lines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise frominterfering with the data signal DATA being transmitted, and voltagetransmitting lines VL1 to VL8 that transmit power voltages to the datadriving chip 510. FIG. 2 further illustrates that the data driving chip510 may be mounted on a non-display portion 110 (as opposed to a displayportion 120) of the display panel 100 as a chip-on-glass (“COG”) type.The data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2, the shielding lines SL1 andSL2 and the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8 may also disposed onthe substrate of the display panel 100. Although FIG. 2 shows that thedata driver 500 includes two data driving chips 510 and two flexibleprinted circuit boards 520, the present system and method contemplatesthat any number of data driving chips 510 and flexible printed circuitboards 520 may be used.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2, for example, from the timingcontroller 200. The data driving chip 510 generates data voltages basedon the data signal DATA and outputs the data voltages to the data linesDL of the display panel 100. The data driving chip 510 receives powervoltages (for generating the data voltages) through the voltagetransmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The power voltages may include a logichigh-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, an analog high-voltageVDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2. The analog high-voltage VDD2 maybe greater than the logic high-voltage VDD1. The analog ground voltageVSS2 may be substantially equal to the logic ground voltage VSS1. Thedata driving chip 510 may receive the power voltages—VDD1, VSS1, VDD2and VSS2—from the timing controller 200, or alternatively, from a powervoltage generator (not shown).

The data driving chip 510 includes a first data pad DPP and a seconddata pad DPN for connecting to the data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2and receiving the data signal DATA therefrom. The first data pad DPP maybe a data positive pad and the second data pad DPN may be a datanegative pad. That is, the first data transmitting line DTL1 maytransmit a data positive signal to the first data pad DPP, and thesecond data transmitting line DTL2 may transmit a data negative signalto the second data pad DPN.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Thefirst shielding line SL1 is connected to a first low-voltage terminalthat is disposed at the first side with respect to the first data padDPP. The first low-voltage terminal may be a first logic ground voltageterminal such that the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the firstshielding line SL1. A second shielding line SL2 is disposed at a secondside with respect to the second data transmitting line DTL2. The secondside is opposite to the first side. The second shielding line SL2 isconnected to a second low-voltage terminal that is disposed at thesecond side with respect to the second data pad DPN. The secondlow-voltage terminal may be a second logic ground voltage terminal suchthat the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the second shieldingline SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 have electrical resistances that are less than thoseof the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2. The differences in the resistances may beachieved, for example, if the widths of the first shielding line SL1 andthe second shielding line SL2 are greater than the widths of the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.This prevents noise from interfering with the data signal DATA beingtransmitted through the data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance d1 between the first shieldingline SL1 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be equal to orless than a distance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 andthe second data transmitting line DTL2. A distance d2 between the secondshielding line SL2 and the second data transmitting line DTL2 may beequal to or less than the distance d between the first data transmittingline DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. This preventsnoise from interfering with the data signal DATA being transmittedthrough the data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 may include afirst bent portion that bends toward the first data transmitting lineDTL1. Similarly, the second shielding line SL2 may include a second bentportion that bends toward the second data transmitting line DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first voltage transmitting line VL1transmits the logic ground voltage VSS1 to the data driving chip 510. Asecond voltage transmitting line VL2 transmits the analog high-voltageVDD2 to the data driving chip 510. A third voltage transmitting line VL3transmits the analog ground voltage VSS2 to the data driving chip 510. Afourth voltage transmitting line VL4 transmits the logic high-voltageVDD1 to the data driving chip 510. A fifth voltage transmitting line VL5transmits the logic high-voltage VDD1 to the data driving chip 510. Asixth voltage transmitting line VL6 transmits the analog ground voltageVSS2 to the data driving chip 510. A seventh voltage transmitting lineVL7 transmits the analog high-voltage VDD2 to the data driving chip 510.An eighth voltage transmitting line VL8 transmits the logic groundvoltage VSS1 to the data driving chip 510. The first to fourth voltagetransmitting lines VL1 to VL4 are disposed at the first side withrespect to the first shielding line SL1. The fifth to eighth voltagetransmitting lines VL5 to VL8 are disposed at the second side withrespect to the second shielding line SL2.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the data driver500 includes the first shielding line SL1 and the second shielding lineSL2 that surround the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. The shielding lines prevent noise frominterfering with the data signal DATA being transmitted by thetransmitting lines to improve the reliability of the data driver 500,and thereby, improve the display quality of the display panel 100 usingthe data driver 500.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates that a pair of data pads DPP and DPN and apair of data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 are disposed between thefirst shielding line SL1 and the second shielding line SL2, the presentsystem and method is not limited thereto. Alternatively, for example,two pairs of data pads and two pairs of data transmitting lines may bedisposed between the first shielding line SL1 and the second shieldingline SL2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the data driver 500 includes adata driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board 520. Theflexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data driving chip 510 toa printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200 is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise from interfering with data signalDATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL6 thattransmit power voltages to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The data driving chip 510 generatesdata voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs the datavoltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The data drivingchip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the data voltages)through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL6. The power voltagesmay include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, ananalog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Thefirst shielding line SL1 is connected to a first low-voltage terminalthat is disposed at the first side with respect to the first data padDPP. The first low-voltage terminal may be a first logic ground voltageterminal such that the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the firstshielding line SL1. A second shielding line SL2 is disposed at a secondside with respect to the second data transmitting line DTL2. The secondside is opposite to the first side. The second shielding line SL2 isconnected to a second low-voltage terminal that is disposed at thesecond side with respect to the second data pad DPN. The secondlow-voltage terminal may be a second logic ground voltage terminal suchthat the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the second shieldingline SL2.

A first voltage transmitting line VL1 transmits the analog high-voltageVDD2 to the data driving chip 510. A second voltage transmitting lineVL2 transmits the analog ground voltage VSS2 to the data driving chip510. A third voltage transmitting line VL3 transmits the logichigh-voltage VDD1 to the data driving chip 510. A fourth voltagetransmitting line VL4 transmits the logic high-voltage VDD1 to the datadriving chip 510. A fifth voltage transmitting line VL5 transmits theanalog ground voltage VSS2 to the data driving chip 510. A sixth voltagetransmitting line VL6 transmits the analog high-voltage VDD2 to the datadriving chip 510.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the data driver 500includes the first shielding line SL1 and the second shielding line SL2that surround the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2. The shielding lines prevent noise frominterfering with the data signal DATA being transmitted by thetransmitting lines to improve the reliability of the data driver 500,and thereby, improve the display quality of the display panel 100 usingthe data driver 500.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shieldingline of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the data driver 500includes a data driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board520. The flexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data drivingchip 510 to a printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8that transmit power voltages to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The data driving chip 510 generatesdata voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs the datavoltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The data drivingchip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the data voltages)through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The power voltagesmay include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, ananalog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Asecond shielding line SL2 is disposed at a second side with respect tothe second data transmitting line DTL2. The second side is opposite tothe first side. The first shielding line SL1 and the second shieldingline SL2 are not connected to a pad of the data driving chip 510. Aground voltage is applied to the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 have electrical resistances that are less than thoseof the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2. A distance d1 between the first shielding lineSL1 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be equal to or lessthan a distance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 and thesecond data transmitting line DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 are connected to each other through a connectingportion to form a shielding line loop SLL, such as shown in FIG. 6. Theshielding line loop SLL includes a first portion SLLA that includes theconnecting portion and a second portion SLLB that includes the firstshielding line SL1 and the second shielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a resistance of a unit length of the firstportion SLLA (e.g. the connecting portion) is substantially the same asa resistance of a unit length of the second portion SLLB (e.g. the firstshielding line SL1). The same or similar resistance per unit length maybe achieved, for example, if a width WA of the first portion SLLA issubstantially the same as a width WB of the second portion SLLB.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the data driver500 includes the shielding line loop SLL that surrounds the first datatransmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. Theshielding line loop SLL prevents noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted by the transmitting lines to improve thereliability of the data driver 500, and thereby, improve the displayquality of the display panel 100 using the data driver 500.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shieldingline of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the data driver 500includes a data driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board520. The flexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data drivingchip 510 to a printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8that transmit power voltages to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The data driving chip 510 generatesdata voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs the datavoltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The data drivingchip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the data voltages)through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The power voltagesmay include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, ananalog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Asecond shielding line SL2 is disposed at a second side with respect tothe second data transmitting line DTL2. The second side is opposite tothe first side. The first shielding line SL1 and the second shieldingline SL2 are not connected to a pad of the data driving chip 510. Aground voltage is applied to the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line SL1and the second shielding line SL2 are less than resistances of the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.A distance d1 between the first shielding line SL1 and the first datatransmitting line DTL1 may be equal to or less than a distance d betweenthe first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmittingline DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 are connected to each other through a connectingportion to form a shielding line loop SLL, such as shown in FIG. 7. Theshielding line loop SLL includes a first portion SLLA that includes theconnecting portion and a second portion SLLB that includes the firstshielding line SL1 and the second shielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a resistance of a unit length of the firstportion SLLA (e.g. the connecting portion) is greater than a resistanceof a unit length of the second portion SLLB (e.g. the first shieldingline SL1). FIG. 8 illustrates that the difference in resistance of aunit length may be achieved, for example, if a width WA of the firstportion SLLA is less than a width WB of the second portion SLLB. Havinga relatively high resistance in the first portion SLLA prevents orotherwise reduces distortion of the data signal DATA in the second datatransmitting line DTL2 that may be caused by coupling between the firstdata line DTL1 and the first shielding line SL1. Vice versa, it preventsdistortion of the data signal DATA in the first data transmitting lineDTL1 that may be caused by coupling between the second data line DTL2and the second shielding line SL2.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the data driver500 includes the shielding line loop SLL that surrounds the first datatransmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. Theshield line loop SLL prevents noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted by the transmitting lines to improve thereliability of the data driver 500, and thereby, improve the displayquality of the display panel 100 using the data driver 500.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shieldingline of FIG. 9. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the data driver 500includes a data driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board520. The flexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data drivingchip 510 to a printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8that transmit power voltages to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The data driving chip 510 generatesdata voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs the datavoltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The data drivingchip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the data voltage)through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The power voltagesmay include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, ananalog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Asecond shielding line SL2 is disposed at a second side with respect tothe second data transmitting line DTL2. The second side is opposite tothe first side. The first shielding line SL1 and the second shieldingline SL2 are not connected to a pad of the data driving chip 510. Aground voltage is applied to the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line SL1and the second shielding line SL2 are less than resistances of the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.A distance d1 between the first shielding line SL1 and the first datatransmitting line DTL1 may be equal to or less than a distance d betweenthe first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmittingline DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 are connected to each other through a connectingportion to form a shielding line loop SLL. The shielding line loop SLLincludes a first portion SLLA that includes the connecting portion and asecond portion SLLB which includes the first shielding line SL1 and thesecond shielding line SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a resistance of a unit length of the firstportion SLLA (e.g. the connecting portion) is greater than a resistanceof a unit length of the second portion SLLB (e.g. the first shieldingline SL1). For example, as FIG. 10 illustrates, the first portion SLLAmay include a convex and concave pattern, such as a square-wave pattern,that increases its resistance per unit length. Having a relatively highresistance in the connecting portion prevents or otherwise reducesdistortion of the data signal DATA in the second data transmitting lineDTL2 that may be caused by coupling between the first data line DTL1 andthe first shielding line SL1. Vice versa, it prevents distortion of thedata signal DATA in the first data transmitting line DTL1 that may becaused by coupling between the second data line DTL2 and the secondshielding line SL2.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the data driver500 includes the shielding line loop SLL that surrounds the first datatransmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. Theshielding line loop SLL prevents noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted by the transmitting lines to improve thereliability of the data driver 500, and thereby, improve the displayquality of the display panel 100 using the data driver 500.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, the data driver 500 includes adata driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board 520. Theflexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data driving chip 510 toa printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200 is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1, SL2 and SL3 that prevent noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8transmitting a power voltage to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through a firstdata pad DPP and a second data pad DPN that are connected to the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The first data pad DPP and the seconddata pad DPN may be spaced apart from each other. The data driving chip510 generates data voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputsthe data voltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. Thedata driving chip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the datavoltages) through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The powervoltages may include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltageVSS1, an analog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Thefirst shielding line SL1 is connected to a first low-voltage terminalthat is disposed at the first side with respect to the first data padDPP. The first low-voltage terminal may be a first logic ground voltageterminal such that the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the firstshielding line SL1. A second shielding line SL2 is disposed at a secondside with respect to the second data transmitting line DTL2. The secondside is opposite to the first side. The second shielding line SL2 isconnected to a second low-voltage terminal that is disposed at thesecond side with respect to the second data pad DPN. The secondlow-voltage terminal may be a second logic ground voltage terminal suchthat the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the second shieldingline SL2. A third shielding line SL3 is disposed between the first datatransmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. Thethird shielding SL3 is connected to the first logic ground voltageterminal and the second logic ground voltage terminal such that thelogic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the third shielding line SL3. Ashape of the third shielding line SL3 may include a T-shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line SL1,the second shielding line SL2 and the third shielding line SL3 are lessthan resistances of the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d1 between the first shieldingline SL1 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be less than adistance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d2 between the second shieldingline SL2 and the second data transmitting line DTL2 may be less than thedistance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d3 between the third shieldingline SL3 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be equal to thedistance d1 between the first shielding line SL1 and the first datatransmitting line DTL1. A distance d4 between the third shielding lineSL3 and the second data transmitting line DTL2 may be equal to thedistance d2 between the second shielding line SL2 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the data driver 500includes the first shielding line SL1 and the second shielding line SL2that surround the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2. The data driver 500 also includes the thirdshielding line SL3 that is disposed between the data transmitting lineDTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2. The shield linesprevent noise from interfering with the data signal DATA beingtransmitted by the transmitting lines to improve the reliability of thedata driver 500, and thereby, improve the display quality of the displaypanel 100 using the data driver 500.

Although FIG. 11 illustrates that a first data pad DPP and a datatransmitting line DTL1 are disposed between the first shielding line SL1and the third shielding line SL3 and a second data pad DPN and a datatransmitting line DTL2 are disposed between the third shielding line SL3and the second shielding line SL2, the present system and method is notlimited thereto. Alternatively, for example, a pair of data pads and apair of data transmitting lines may be disposed between the firstshielding line SL1 and the third shielding line SL3 and a pair of datapads and a pair of data transmitting lines may be disposed between thethird shielding line SL3 and the second shielding line SL2.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a portion A of the data driver ofFIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a loop shape of a shieldingline of FIG. 12. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13, the data driver 500includes a data driving chip 510 and a flexible printed circuit board520. The flexible printed circuit board 520 connects the data drivingchip 510 to a printed circuit board on which the timing controller 200is disposed.

The data driver 500 includes data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2 thattransmit a data signal DATA to the data driving chip 510, shieldinglines SL1, SL2 and SL3 that prevent noise from interfering with the datasignal DATA being transmitted, and voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8that transmit power voltages to the data driving chip 510.

The data driving chip 510 receives the data signal DATA through the datatransmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2. The data driving chip 510 generatesdata voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs the datavoltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The data drivingchip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the data voltages)through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The power voltagesmay include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltage VSS1, ananalog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Asecond shielding line SL2 is disposed at a second side with respect tothe second data transmitting line DTL2. The second side is opposite tothe first side. A third shielding line SL3 is disposed between the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.The first shielding line SL1, the second shielding line SL2 and thethird shielding line SL3 are not connected to a pad of the data drivingchip 510. A ground voltage is applied to the first shielding line SL1,the second shielding line SL2 and the third shielding line SL3.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line SL1,the second shielding line SL2 and the third shielding line SL3 are lessthan resistances of the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d1 between the first shieldingline SL1 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be less than adistance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d2 between the second shieldingline SL2 and the second data transmitting line DTL2 may be less than thedistance d between the first data transmitting line DTL1 and the seconddata transmitting line DTL2. A distance d3 between the third shieldingline SL3 and the first data transmitting line DTL1 may be equal to thedistance d1 between the first shielding line SL1 and the first datatransmitting line DTL1. A distance d4 between the third shielding lineSL3 and the second data transmitting line DTL2 may be equal to thedistance d2 between the second shielding line SL2 and the second datatransmitting line DTL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first shielding line SL1, the secondshielding line SL2 and the third shielding line SL3 are connected toeach other through a connecting portion to form a shielding line loopSLL. The shielding line loop SLL includes a first portion SLLA thatincludes the connecting portion and a second portion SLLB that includesthe first shielding line SL1, the second shielding line SL2 and thethird shielding line SL3.

In an exemplary embodiment, a resistance of a unit length of the firstportion SLLA (e.g. the connecting portion) is substantially the same asa resistance of a unit length of the second portion SLLB (e.g. the firstshielding line SL1). The same or similar resistance per unit length maybe achieved, for example, if a width WA of the first portion SLLA issubstantially the same as a width WB of the second portion SLLB.Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, a resistance of a unitlength of the first portion SLLA (e.g. the connecting portion) isgreater than a resistance of a unit length of the second portion SLLB(e.g. the first shielding line SL1). The difference in resistance perunit length may be achieved, for example, if a width WA of the firstportion SLLA is less than a width WB of the second portion SLLB (such asshown in FIG. 8), or if the first portion SLLA includes a convex andconcave pattern that increases the resistance of a unit length (such asthe square-wave pattern shown in FIG. 10).

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the datadriver 500 includes the shielding line loop SLL that surrounds the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.The shielding line loop SLL prevents noise from interfering with thedata signal DATA being transmitted by the transmitting lines to improvethe reliability of the data driver 500, and thereby, improve the displayquality of the display panel 100.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a display panel, a timing controllerand a data driver of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent system and method. FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a portionB of the data driver of FIG. 14. Referring to FIGS. 1, 14 and 15, thedata driver 500 includes a data driving chip 510 and a flexible printedcircuit board 520. The flexible printed circuit board 520 connects thedata driving chip 510 to a printed circuit board on which the timingcontroller 200 is disposed. The flexible printed circuit board 520 maybe a layer of the printed circuit board and integrally formed with theprinted circuit board. In another exemplary embodiment, the flexibleprinted circuit board 520 may be independently formed from the printedcircuit board.

As FIG. 14 illustrates, the data driver 500 includes data transmittinglines DTL1 and DTL2 that transmit a data signal DATA to the data drivingchip 510, shielding lines SL1 and SL2 that prevent noise frominterfering with the data signal DATA being transmitted, and voltagetransmitting lines VL1 to VL8 that transmit power voltages to the datadriving chip 510. The embodiment of FIG. 14 differs from that of FIG. 2at least in that the data driving chip 510 of FIG. 14 is mounted on theflexible printed circuit board 520 as a chip-on-film (“COF”) type,whereas the data driving chip 510 of FIG. 2 is mounted on a substrate ofthe display panel 100. Also, here, the data transmitting lines DTL1 andDTL2, the shielding lines SL1 and SL2 and the voltage transmitting linesVL1 to VL8 are disposed on the flexible printed circuit board 520instead of the display panel 100.

The data driving chip 510 includes a first data pad DPP and a seconddata pad DPN for connecting to the data transmitting lines DTL1 and DTL2and receiving the data signal DATA therefrom. The data driving chip 510generates data voltages based on the data signal DATA and outputs thedata voltages to the data lines DL of the display panel 100. The datadriving chip 510 receives power voltages (for generating the datavoltages) through the voltage transmitting lines VL1 to VL8. The powervoltages may include a logic high-voltage VDD1, a logic ground voltageVSS1, an analog high-voltage VDD2 and an analog ground voltage VSS2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first shielding line SL1 is disposed at afirst side with respect to the first data transmitting line DTL1. Thefirst shielding line SL1 is connected to a first low-voltage terminalthat is disposed at the first side with respect to the first data padDPP. The first low-voltage terminal may be a first logic ground voltageterminal such that the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the firstshielding line SL1. A second shielding line SL2 is disposed at a secondside with respect to the second data transmitting line DTL2. The secondside is opposite to the first side. The second shielding line SL2 isconnected to a second low-voltage terminal that is disposed at thesecond side with respect to the second data pad DPN. The secondlow-voltage terminal may be a second logic ground voltage terminal suchthat the logic ground voltage VSS1 is applied to the second shieldingline SL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, resistances of the first shielding line SL1and the second shielding line SL2 are less than resistances of the firstdata transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmitting line DTL2.A distance d1 between the first shielding line SL1 and the first datatransmitting line DTL1 may be equal to or less than a distance d betweenthe first data transmitting line DTL1 and the second data transmittingline DTL2.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the datadriver 500 includes the first shielding line SL1 and the secondshielding line SL2 that surround the first data transmitting line DTL1and the second data transmitting line DTL2. The shielding lines preventnoise from interfering with the data signal DATA being transmitted bythe transmitting lines to improve the reliability of the data driver500, and thereby improve the display quality of the display panel 100using the data driver 500.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present system and method and isnot to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplaryembodiments of the present system and method have been described, thoseskilled in the art would readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the present system and method.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present system and method.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data driver comprising: a data driving chip; afirst data transmitting line and a second data transmitting lineconfigured to transmit a data signal to the data driving chip; a firstshielding line disposed at a first side with respect to the first datatransmitting line, a ground voltage being applied to the first shieldingline; and a second shielding line disposed at a second side with respectto the second transmitting line, the second side being opposite to thefirst side, the ground voltage being applied to the second shieldingline.
 2. The data driver of claim 1, wherein resistances of the firstshielding line and the second shielding line are less than resistancesof the first data transmitting line and the second data transmittingline.
 3. The data driver of claim 1, wherein a distance between thefirst shielding line and the first data transmitting line is equal to orless than a distance between the first data transmitting line and thesecond data transmitting line, and a distance between the secondshielding line and the second data transmitting line is equal to or lessthan the distance between the first data transmitting line and thesecond data transmitting line.
 4. The data driver of claim 1, whereinthe first shielding line includes a first bent portion that bends towardthe first data transmitting line, and the second shielding line includesa second bent portion that bends toward the second transmitting line. 5.The data driver of claim 1, wherein the first shielding line isconnected to a first low-voltage terminal of the data driving chip, andthe second shielding line is connected to a second low-voltage terminalof the data driving chip.
 6. The data driver of claim 1, furthercomprising a connecting portion that connects the first shielding lineand the second shielding line.
 7. The data driver of claim 6, wherein aresistance of the connecting portion is equal to or greater than aresistance of the first shielding line.
 8. The data driver of claim 7,wherein a width of the connecting portion is less than a width of thefirst shielding line.
 9. The data driver of claim 7, wherein theconnecting portion includes a convex and concave pattern.
 10. The datadriver of claim 1, further comprising a third shielding line disposedbetween the first data transmitting line and the second datatransmitting line, the ground voltage being applied to the thirdshielding line.
 11. The data driver of claim 10, wherein the firstshielding line is connected to a first low-voltage terminal of the datadriving chip, the second shielding line is connected to a secondlow-voltage terminal of the data driving chip, and the third shieldingline is connected to both the first low-voltage terminal and the secondlow-voltage terminal of the data driving chip.
 12. The data driver ofclaim 10, further comprising a connecting portion that connects thefirst shielding line, the second shielding line and the third shieldingline.
 13. The data driver of claim 1, further comprising: a firstvoltage transmitting line disposed at the first side of the firstshielding line; and a second voltage transmitting line disposed at thesecond side of the second shielding line.
 14. The data driver of claim1, wherein the data driving chip, the first shielding line and thesecond shielding line are disposed on a substrate of a display panel.15. The data driver of claim 1, further comprising a flexible printedcircuit board on which the data driving chip is mounted, wherein thefirst shielding line and the second shielding line are disposed on theflexible printed circuit board.
 16. A display apparatus comprising: adisplay panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configuredto apply a gate signal to the display panel; and a data driverconfigured to apply a data voltage to the display panel, the data drivercomprising: a data driving chip; a first data transmitting line and asecond data transmitting line configured to transmit a data signal tothe data driving chip; a first shielding line disposed at a first sidewith respect to the first data transmitting line, a ground voltage beingapplied to the first shielding line; and a second shielding linedisposed at a second side with respect to the second transmitting line,the second side being opposite to the first side, the ground voltagebeing applied to the second shielding line.
 17. The display apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein resistances of the first shielding line and the secondshielding line are less than resistances of the first data transmittingline and the second data transmitting line.
 18. The display apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein a distance between the first shielding line and thefirst data transmitting line is equal to or less than a distance betweenthe first data transmitting line and the second data transmitting line,and a distance between the second shielding line and the second datatransmitting line is equal to or less than the distance between thefirst data transmitting line and the second data transmitting line. 19.The display apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first shielding lineincludes a first bent portion that bends toward the first datatransmitting line, and the second shielding line includes a second bentportion that bends toward the second transmitting line.
 20. The displayapparatus of claim 16, wherein the data driver further comprises aconnecting portion that connects the first shielding line and the secondshielding line.